Shade Shirt

ABSTRACT

Outdoor apparel with a head cover and hand covers protect the wearer from the sun and other outdoor elements. The outdoor apparel comprises material that is resistant to ultraviolet light, traps heat, and is water wicking. The outdoor apparel further comprises a body and sleeves for additional protection from the elements. The hand covers are attached to the sleeves, which are attached to the body. The head cover may comprise an upper cover and a lower cover and be attached to the body. Together the body, head cover, sleeves, and hand covers protect the wearer from the sun and elements while participating in outdoor activities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional application that claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/909,169 filed on Nov. 26, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The field of invention is directed to sun protection, and more specifically apparel that substantially cover the entire upper torso including the head and hands.

2. Background of the Invention

When exposed to direct sunlight for long sustained periods of time, there is a need to protect the skin. Long term exposure to the sun may lead to skin degeneration and skin cancer. There are many products on the market that cover the skin or may be applied to the skin for sun protection.

Drawbacks to conventional sun protection products are their inability to protect against different elements. For instance, sun block applied to the skin may partially protect the body against sun damage but may not protect against other elements, which may include wind, water, dirt, and the like. Further drawbacks include that nearly all applied sun blocking products leave oily residues and tacky surfaces upon which debris may adhere. Materials used to cover the skin (i.e., shirts) from the sun provide protection but typically do not cover the entire body. The head and hands are usually left exposed to the sun's UV rays. To properly protect the skin from the sun may require a combination of many different products.

Consequently, there is a need for complete upper body protection from the sun using one product. Further needs include high versatility of the product in many different situations. The product may include the ability to simultaneously protect the wearer from the sun and other elements.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

These and other needs in the art are addressed in one embodiment by outdoor apparel comprising material that is UV resistant, traps heat, and is water wicking. The outdoor apparel may further comprise a body, head cover, at least one sleeve, and hand covers. The hand covers may attach to the sleeves, wherein the sleeves are attached to the body. Still further, the head cover may be attached to the body. Without limitation, the apparel provides effective sun protection. Further, without limitation, the head cover and hand covers may be manipulated to suit the wearer's needs.

These and other needs in the art are addressed in embodiments by outdoor apparel having a body and a head cover. The head cover is attached to the body. The outdoor apparel also has at least one hand cover. The at least one hand cover is attached to the body.

In addition, these and other needs in the art are addressed in an embodiment of outdoor apparel. The outdoor apparel includes a material that is ultraviolet light resistant, traps heat, and is water wicking. The outdoor apparel also includes a body and at least one sleeve. In addition, the outdoor apparel includes a head cover. The head cover includes a lower cover and an upper cover. The head cover is attached to the body. The outdoor apparel also includes at least one hand cover. The at least one hand cover is attached to the body. The hand cover is covered in a plurality of gripping elements.

Moreover, these and other needs in the art are addressed by an embodiment of outdoor apparel. The outdoor apparel includes a material that is ultraviolet light resistant, traps heat, and is water wicking. The outdoor apparel also includes a body and at least one sleeve. In addition, the outdoor apparel includes a head cover and at least one hand cover. The at least one hand cover is attached to the body. The hand cover is covered in a plurality of gripping elements.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other embodiments for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent embodiments do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the apparel;

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the head cover;

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the lower head cover piece;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the upper head cover piece; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the hand covers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the shade shirt (i.e., apparel) provide the benefit of covering substantially the entire upper body of the wearer from the sun. Embodiments may also lessen the long term effects of sun exposure upon the skin.

Illustrated in FIG. 1 is an embodiment of apparel 5. Apparel 5 may be made of any suitable material. Suitable material may have characteristics including, but are not limited to, the ability to dissipate heat, trap heat, repel water, absorb perspiration, air permeability, temperature reduction, water wicking, ultraviolet light resistant, or any combinations thereof. Furthermore, apparel 5 may comprise many different layers, each layer having a specific characteristic. In some embodiments, body 10 includes water resistant materials, a water resistant coating, or any combinations thereof. Apparel 5 further comprises a body 10, head cover 15, sleeves 30, and hand covers 20. Head cover 15 and sleeves 30 are attached to body 10 by any suitable means of securement. As illustrated in FIG. 1, head cover 15 and sleeves 30 are sown to body 10. Further illustrated, hand covers 20 are attached to sleeves 30. Other means of attachment, without limitation, may include a clasp-locker, clasp, hookless fastener, snap fastener, button, buckle, hook and loop fastener (i.e., Velcro®), grommet, clips, latch, strap, threaded fastener, or any combination thereof. Please note that Velcro® is a registered trademark of Velcro Industries, B.V.

Body 10 may be composed of sun blocking material, which may possess elastic and malleable characteristics. As illustrated in FIG. 1, body 10 is made of sufficient material to substantially cover the entire upper torso. Material characteristic of body 10, without limitation, may include the ability to dissipate heat, trap heat, repel water, absorb perspiration, air permeability, temperature reduction, ultraviolet light resistant, water wicking, or any combinations thereof. In some embodiments, body 10 includes water resistant materials, a water resistant coating, or any combinations thereof.

In embodiments, body 10 includes material that is rated for ultraviolet (UV) protection, which may be rated with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). The material may have any desirable UPF rating. In an embodiment, the material has a UPF rating between about 15 and about 24, alternatively between about 25 and about 39, and alternatively about 40 and over, and further alternatively about 50 and over. In some embodiments, colors of the material are selected to provide maximum sun protection. In embodiments, body 10, sleeves 30, head cover 15, and hand covers 20 are composed of the same material. In alternative embodiments, body 10, sleeves 30, head cover 15, and/or hand covers 20 are composed of different materials.

In embodiments, sleeves 30 may extend to about the wrist area of the wearer and are attached to hand covers 20. In alternative embodiments (not illustrated), sleeves 30 extend to the hand of the wearer. Hand refers to the terminal part of the human arm located below the forearm including wrist, palm, fingers (if any), and thumb (if any). In such alternative embodiments, sleeves 30 substantially cover a portion of the hand. For example, sleeves 30 may cover about ten percent to about ninety percent of the hand, about thirty percent to about eighty percent of the hand, or about fifty percent to about eighty percent of the hand. In embodiments, sleeves 30 may cover about ten percent of the hand, about twenty percent of the hand, about thirty percent of the hand, about forty percent of the hand, about fifty percent of the hand, about sixty percent of the hand, about seventy percent of the hand, about eighty percent of the hand, about ninety percent of the hand, or about one hundred percent of the hand. In embodiments, sleeves 30 substantially cover the wearer's hands to about the middle portion of the hand between the first finger joints, with the remaining portion of the fingers uncovered. In embodiments, sleeves 30 may further comprise a thumb hole (not illustrated). The thumb hole may allow a user to place their thumb through the hole, effectively holding sleeve 30 in place. The thumb hole may further comprise a covering, wherein the covering covers the user's thumb. For example, the thumb covering may cover about ten percent to about ninety percent of the thumb, about thirty percent to about seventy percent of the thumb, or about fifty percent to about seventy five percent of the thumb. In embodiments, the thumb covering may cover about ten percent of the thumb, about twenty percent of the thumb, about thirty percent of the thumb, about forty percent of the thumb, about fifty percent of the thumb, about sixty percent of the thumb, about seventy percent of the thumb, about eighty percent of the thumb, about ninety percent of the thumb, or about one hundred percent of the thumb. Without limitation, such embodiments provide an option for a wearer that does not want to use hand covers 20 (i.e., fingered gloves).

As illustrated FIG. 2, head cover 15 may be secured to body 10. Head cover 15 may comprise a single structure or two individual structures as illustrated in FIG. 2. The single structure embodiment includes lower cover 16 and upper cover 17 being a single structure, connected to each other. The two individual structures includes lower cover 16 and upper cover 17 not being secured to each other or being attachable and detachable to each other. Lower cover 16 and upper cover 17 may be used in conjunction to substantially cover the entire head region while allowing for the wearer to see and breathe. Lower cover 16 and upper cover 17 may comprise the same or similar material as body 10 described above. Both lower cover 16 and upper cover 17 may be used together or individually as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Upper cover 17 may substantially cover the back and top of the wearer's head, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Material that may comprise upper cover 17 may include identical or similar material as found in body 10. Upper cover 17 typically includes characteristics of protection similar to lower cover 16. Both lower cover 16 and upper cover 17 may be downward retractable, and disposed around the neck region of the wearer. Upper cover 17 and lower cover 16 may be attached by any suitable means. Suitable means may include, but are not limited to, stitching, a clasp-lock, clasp, hookless fastener, snap fastener, button, buckle, Velcro®, grommet, clips, latch, strap, threaded fastener, or any combination thereof. This may allow upper cover 17 and lower cover 16 to function independently of each other. For example, a user may decide to wear only lower cover 16 or only upper cover 17. This allows the user versatility in choosing the desired amount of protection.

Lower cover 16 may protect the nose, cheeks, mouth, lips, chin, and neck from external elements. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, lower cover 16 may be held taut against the wearer's nose. This may prevent lower cover 16 from sliding down the wearer's face. Lower cover 16 may embody material and characteristics similar to body 10, allowing lower cover 16 to protect large amounts of the wearer's face from the elements. Embodiments of lower cover 16 may further comprise mesh 18, as illustrated in FIG. 3, located around the nasal and mouth region. Mesh 18 may allow for the wearer to breath without restriction. Mesh 18 may embody characteristics and material that provide protection from sun, wind, water, rain, or any combination of natural elements thereof. In embodiments, mesh 18 may substantially comprise a portion of lower cover 16. For example, mesh 18 may comprise about ten percent to about ninety percent of lower cover 16, about thirty percent to about seventy percent of lower cover 16, or about fifty percent to about seventy-five percent of lower cover 16. In embodiments, mesh 18 may comprise about ten percent of lower cover 16, about twenty percent of lower cover 16, about thirty percent of lower cover 16, about forty percent of lower cover 16, about fifty percent of lower cover 16, about sixty percent of lower cover 16, about seventy percent of lower cover 16, about eighty percent of lower cover 16, about ninety percent of lower cover 16, or about one hundred percent of lower cover 16.

Moreover, lower cover 16 may further comprise a structure 19, which may support material around the wearer's nose. Structure 19 may have any suitable raised configuration. The raised configuration may be, but is not limited to, triangular, circular, polyhedral, or any combination thereof. Without limitation, structure 19 may include plastic, metal, neoprene, elastic, stitched material, foam, or any combination thereof, or any other suitable means to provide support. Structure 19 may have an underside that is in direct contact with the user's skin. The underside of structure 19, without limitation, may have material suitable to hold lower cover 16 to the nose of the wearer. This material may include plastic, neoprene, padding, or any combination thereof, or any other suitable means to hold lower cover 16 to the nose of the wearer. Structure 19 may be conformable, allowing a user to mold structure 19 to conform to any user's anatomy.

In embodiments, head cover 15 may comprise a single piece of material (i.e., lower cover 16 and upper cover 17 are a single structure forming head cover 15). The single piece of material may be circular and/or oval in shape. Furthermore, the material may have a single opening for a user's head to be placed through. The material may be of a unitary length. For example, the length of the material may be between about four inches and about twelve inches, between about six inches and about eighteen inches, or between about eight inches and about twenty inches. In an embodiment, the material may be about four inches, about five inches, about six inches, about seven inches, about eight inches, about nine inches, about ten inches, about eleven inches, about twelve inches, about thirteen inches, about fourteen inches, about fifteen inches, about sixteen inches, about seventeen inches, or about eighteen inches in length. The length of the material may cover the user's head and may further extend up and away from the user's head. This extra material may allow a user to stretch the opening up and over the user's head to the face of the user, covering the entire top of the users head. The top edge of the opening may fit along the brow of the user, and the bottom edge may extend along the nose and cheeks of the user. The sides of the opening may be disposable behind the user's ears, holding the top of the opening and bottom of the opening tight to the users face.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, hand covers 20 may be partially sown to sleeves 30. For example, about ten percent to about fifty percent, about twenty percent to about forty percent, or about thirty to about fifty percent of an end of hand cover 20 may be sown to sleeve 30. In embodiments, about ten percent, about twenty percent, about thirty percent, about forth percent, or about fifty percent of a hand cover 20 is sown to a sleeve 30. Hand covers 20 typically include the ability to be removed from wearer's hand and remain attached to body 10. Once removed, hand covers 20 may be affixed to body 10 through any appropriate fastening means. Without limitation, fastening means may include a clasp-locker, clasp, hookless fastener, snap fastener, elastic attachment means (i.e., band), button, buckle, hook and loop fastener (i.e., Velcro®), clips, latch, strap, threaded fastener, or any combinations thereof. In embodiments, the user may tuck hand covers 20 between the user's skin and sleeves 30, effectively compressing and holding hand covers in place while not in use.

Hand covers 20, as illustrated in FIG. 5, cover the entire palm area and fingers of the wearer's hand. In embodiments, not illustrated, hand covers 20 may cover the entire palm area but only partially cover or do not provide covering for fingers. In embodiments in which the fingers of the wearer's hand are covered, between about fifty percent and about seventy percent of the material covering the fingers may be attached to hand cover 20, allowing for the material covering the fingers to be removed from the fingers but remain attached to hand cover 20. In embodiments, a portion or substantially all of the opposing end of hand cover 20 from the fingers is attached to the body 10. In embodiments, between about fifty and about seventy percent of such end is attached body 10.

Furthermore, hand covers 20 may comprise material similar or identical to body 10. However, in some embodiments, hand covers 20 may be comprised of tear and wear resistant material. For instance, without limitation, the material may be leather, neoprene, plastic, rubber, or any combinations thereof. Hand covers 20 may further comprise padded inserts 21. Please note that reference 21 is for illustrative purpose only as padded insert 21 is disposed within the interior of hand covers 20 and therefore not visible. Padded inserts 21 may include any suitable material for use with hand covers 20 such as neoprene, woven threads, cotton, foam, the like, or any combination thereof.

Located on the palm or inner side of hand covers 20, gripping elements 22 may be positioned to facilitate grip. Gripping elements 22 are not limited in size, shape, or design but are positioned to maximize grip. Gripping elements 22 include but are not limited to, plastic, silicone, rubber, neoprene leather, or any combination thereof. Gripping elements 22 may cover between about ten percent and about ninety percent, between about thirty percent and about seventy percent, or about fifty and about seventy-five percent of a hand cover 20. In embodiments, gripping elements 22 may be about ten percent, about twenty percent, about thirty percent, about forty percent, about fifty percent, about sixty percent, about seventy percent, about eighty percent, about ninety percent, or about one hundred percent of hand covers 20.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Outdoor apparel, comprising: a body; a head cover, wherein the head cover is attached to the body; and at least one hand cover, wherein the at least one hand cover is attached to the body.
 2. The outdoor apparel of claim 1, wherein the outdoor apparel further comprises a material which is ultraviolet light resistant, traps heat, and is water wicking.
 3. The outdoor apparel of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve.
 4. The outdoor apparel of claim 3, wherein the sleeve covers about ten percent to about ninety percent of the wearer's hand.
 5. The outdoor apparel of claim 3, wherein the sleeve has a thumb covering.
 6. The outdoor apparel of claim 5, wherein the thumb covering covers about one hundred percent of a wearer's thumb.
 7. The outdoor apparel of claim 3, wherein the at least one hand cover is attached to the sleeve.
 8. The outdoor apparel of claim 3, wherein about ten percent to about fifty percent of an end of the at least one hand cover is attached to the sleeve.
 9. The outdoor apparel of claim 1, wherein the at least one hand cover has a plurality of gripping elements.
 10. The outdoor apparel of claim 9, wherein the gripping elements cover between about ten percent and about fifty percent of the at least one hand cover.
 11. Outdoor apparel, comprising: a material that is ultraviolet light resistant, traps heat, and is water wicking; a body; at least one sleeve; a head cover, wherein the head cover comprises a lower cover and an upper cover, wherein the head cover is attached to the body; and at least one hand cover, wherein the at least one hand cover is attached to the body, and wherein the at least one hand cover is covered in a plurality of gripping elements.
 12. The outdoor apparel of claim 11, wherein the upper cover covers the entire top and side of a wearer's head.
 13. The outdoor apparel of claim 11, wherein the lower cover covers the nose, cheeks, mouth, chin, and neck of the wearer.
 14. The outdoor apparel of claim 11, wherein the lower cover further comprises a structure, and wherein the structure holds the lower cover to the wearer's face.
 15. The outdoor apparel of claim 11, wherein the lower cover comprises mesh.
 16. Outdoor apparel, comprising: a material that is ultraviolet light resistant, traps heat, and is water wicking; a body; at least one sleeve; a head cover, at least one hand cover, wherein the at least one hand cover is attached to the body, and wherein the hand cover is covered in a plurality of gripping elements.
 17. The outdoor apparel of claim 16, wherein the head cover is attached to the body.
 18. The outdoor apparel of claim 17, wherein the head cover is a single piece of material.
 19. The outdoor apparel of claim 18, wherein the single piece of material has a single opening.
 20. The outdoor apparel of claim 19, wherein the head cover is between about four inches and about twelve inches long. 